So its weird but I feel like I have to explain myself before I start reviewing here. I get really nervous doing these posts and I have no idea why. This is my third attempt at cannonball and every year I fail. Not because of the reading, I usually get that done but because of these reviews. I get kind of caught on the idea that no one cares about my opinion and worry that I will say something stupid. Its silly but….anxiety is a hell of a roadblock. My heart is beating fast even writing this now. But I’m doing it this year! I set my goal low and am trying to get done right out of the gate and not let my own brain stop me (this same fear has kept me as a lurker on Pajiba for over a decade). I’m a couple books ahead before I got my courage up to post so hopefully I will be writing a couple in the next few days!
My first picks of the year aren’t the most original. Larsson series already has four movies in two countries but I decided to finally see what the fuss was about when they are for sale under 2 dollars at my local bookstore. I really don’t want to spoil the books for people who like me may have somehow avoided spoilers for this entire time so I won’t go into many details.
I am disappointed that the series is over and I suppose that is an endorsement. I could have read more about the amazing Lisbeth and more importantly just the country of Sweden which is now some place I would love to go to but would never want to live in. Salandar is a great character who I found myself supporting even when I didn’t agree with all her decisions. Blomkvist, the other main character, is rather interesting and clever but at times can feel like a male self-insert fantasy. At some point in the second book, I had to pause and ask if there were any other female characters left that he hadn’t slept with. Like seriously dude let a lady be.
The second and third book are much slower than the first, though once they get going they are hard to put down. They lack mystery like the first, and are a change of pace from what I expected of the series. I expected a who-dunnit in each book and got something very different. The first two books I read in about a day each and the third took me almost two weeks, reading the first 300 pages taking most of that time and then the rest swallowed in an afternoon. These books are bleak and dark and not always something you would want to pick up on a rainy day but the writing is amazing, the characters are engaging and I enjoyed reading it as a whole though probably will never pick it up again for a second viewing.
And I’m going to include some pictures! I walk dogs and pet sit so I’m often reading with an animal companion. Just had the random idea to take a picture of whoever was keeping me company with the books I read.
Featured Image: Emmy and Ruth model with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Riley reads along to the Girl who Played with Fire
Leo snuggles up to The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest
You’ve got this.
Speaking for myself, I think it’s awesome that people still read and want to discuss books, no matter their actual opinions. I waited far too long to join up out of anxiety over writing the reviews, too, but it couldn’t be a better group here. We’re all in this together!
Did you read a book when you did the Cannonball Read? Then, my friend, you have NEVER FAILED. I absolve thee of thy sins. In nomine di Patterson et Fili Pullman et Spiritus of Steig Larsson. Vader ad DAAAAAAMMMN.
I totally get the anxiety behind writing reviews! My first CBR I wrote one review and then couldn’t bring myself to write any others for a full 2 years. There’s just something so anxiety inducing about putting yourself out there and that’s totally understandable. I think what helped me was reading and commenting on other reviews so I could get a feel for the tone I wanted my reviews to take and also to get to know other people. I hope you stick around because I enjoyed reading your review!
Great job, Claudia – welcome aboard! I know what you mean about the series being bleak, but I have gone back to reread it a few times. Certain sections I really skim over, such as all of the research into the Vanger family. There is another book featuring these characters, but I can’t bring myself to read it.
@prisco however, did – click through our page to his review to get all the details on the book and its publication.
This is a great review! I’m so glad you got it done, and every review from now on will be easier. Also, the pics of your pet friends are perfect!
As someone who has been taking part of the Cannonball Read since pretty much its second year, I still find it amazing that people not only want to read my reviews, but frequently value my opinions and will on occasion even spend money because I’ve said I like a book (it’s just as daunting every time – what if they don’t like it?)
I also still find the reviewing the hardest part of the challenge, mainly because while reading tends to be easy (although harder for me lately), the writing about books is more of a chore to me. I still keep doing though, because I love that we are fighting cancer, it forces me to think more critically about what I read and it keeps me an active part of this great community.
I really hope you get over some of your anxiety – the regulars here are super nice and supportive and have a huge array of interests, points of view and opinions, yet things never tend to turn ugly and we frequently end up with really interesting discussions in the comments of reviews because of our differing approaches and experiences. You’ve already reviewed three books this year – great start! Try to keep at it, but don’t feel guilty about your previous years’ attempts and don’t feel bad if it’s difficult this year. Be proud of every book you finish and review you post – don’t beat yourself up about the ones you don’t.
Welcome! And I very much do want to read your thoughts on books! It’s fun :)
Pictures of cute animals never hurt, either.
This is my 2nd time around (I did CBR3) and I still cringe every time I push the publish button. This crowd is full of whip smart folks that can turn a mean phrase and that can be intimidating. Just keep being you. We all bring unique perspectives to what we read and right and I look forward the reading yours!
And WRITE. Ugh.
Great first review! Personally I had something trouble getting into The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo; for me it dragged, if I remember correctly, and although I ultimately liked it enough to start the sequel, I never got around to finishing it. I’m glad you enjoyed the series, though.
I’m also glad you disclosed your anxiety about reviewing. This is my first CBR and I almost didn’t sign up because I didn’t feel I could write reviews well enough and I was nervous about the 2 reviews I have done. The comments here are really helping me feel supported in that regard – it helps to know other people feel similarly.